In this July 28, 2013 photo, cars drive on wet pavement in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Sunday, July 28, 2013. Puerto Ricans are used to wet tropical weather, but the past few weeks have been the wettest ever recorded in the U.S. island territory. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Ricans are used to wet tropical weather, but the past few weeks have unleashed a series of storms of almost biblical proportions, destroying hundreds of homes, sweeping away cars and leaving tens of thousands without power.

It has been the wettest July ever recorded in the U.S. island territory, with 14 inches (36 centimeters) so far drenching the capital. More rain fell on July 18 than had ever come down in a 24-hour period.

The rain rarely stopped that day, with 9 inches (23 centimeters) pelting the San Juan area. People fled homes and cars as water rushed through doors and then windows. Rising floodwaters stranded drivers on highways turned lagoons. Some commuters were forced to use kayaks and paddle boards.

“I’ve lived here 71 years, and this was the worst,” said Andres Colon as he tried to repair his flooded car in a working class San Juan neighborhood of Santurce. “It Login to read more